Out of the Mud Grows the Lotus

According to Buddhism, the Three Poisons leading to the ongoing round of birth, death and rebirth are:  greed, hatred and ignorance/delusion.  I think this principle applies to economies as well as our individual lives.  We are told we don't save enough and yet we are also told that we need to spend ourselves out of the current recession!  The consequence of this approach will be the recreation of the same unsustainable, environmentally disasterous lifestyle and economy that led to the near meltdown. The economic crisis gave us an opportunity to transform our worldview and economy but I see very little evidence of a lotus growing out of this mud.  In terms of our personal lives, stories of transformation abound with any minister. 

Rubble into Gold

"Rubble into Gold" seems magical, alchemical.  But, I'm not promoting or controlling the process.  If I were involved it would be "Rubble into Rubble."  The transformation of Rubble into Gold is only possible through the working and power of Amida Buddha.  In a broader context of interfaith dialogue, I think you could call this "Truth Power."  Of course, in interfaith dialogue, using such a broad word as "Truth" raises the issue as to whether all religions would agree on what is Truth.  The wonderful thing about Buddhism is that it doesn't get stuck on words.  "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  Dharma by any other name?